Programs for Students

Our core belief is that Japan plays an essential role in American life. We aim, in our Programs for Students, to reach as broad an audience as possible. Working with students throughout the New York area, we provide students with opportunities to learn about Japan in way usually not available within the standard curriculum. Programs vary widely, from one-time events in which students interact with a film director or performing artist to more sustained efforts in which students work with Education Program staff and various Japan specialists over the course of a semester. All are designed to introduce Japan in a sophisticated, age-appropriate manner to children with diverse interests and backgrounds, while emphasizing the development of cognitive or social skills. Programs include:

During a two-week summer program, high school students created three short documentary films chronicling aspects of Japanese life in New York City which were later screened at Japan Society.

The School Partner Alliance

Through the School Partner Alliance, Japan Society collaborates with selected schools to help their students learn more about Japan and to provide special professional development opportunities to their school faculty. Students receive opportunities to explore the arts and culture of Japan through dance, film, theater and the visual arts. Currently, there are three participating schools: The Professional Performing Arts School and Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan, and Richmond Hill High School in Queens. In addition to special programs for their students, these institutions receive curricular materials on Japan-related topics and ongoing professional development in collaboration with Japan Society.

Summer Immersion Program

This two-week, theme-based program introduces high school students to Japanese culture through a topic drawn from history, literature, film, performing arts or contemporary Japan. The program fosters deepened interest in Japan studies and provides an opportunity to overcome stereotypes. For Summer 2008, we'll offer Japanese Cuisine 101: Washoku.  In recent summers, students have completed short documentary films about Japanese expatriates living in New York, written and performed contemporary versions of classic Japanese Noh plays, researched and written a Teens Guide to Japan in New York, and created an art exhibition about Japanese pop culture. 

One-Day Events

Education Programs offers a variety of one-day events for students, often in coordination with other programs at Japan Society. We create programs to help students learn more about Japan through direct interaction with visiting performers, filmmakers, and Japan experts. Recent events have included special programs with Japanese pop singers and film viewing and discussions with documentary film directors.

Upcoming Programs for Students